Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship was awarded to three female graduates in Suffolk Public Schools in 2022.  

The winners, who each received $2,500 paid directly to their post-high school universities, are Brooke Howe of Lakeland High School, Emily Mousso of Nansemond River High School and Evelyn Taliaferro of Nansemond River High School.

Howe was the class valedictorian at Lakeland and a graduate of the Biomedical Sciences Program (BMS), earning the Governor’s Early College Scholar Certificate. She was a member of the softball team for four years, serving as team captain for two years as well as earning regional awards as a catcher and playing travel softball for four years. Howe was on the LHS swim team for four years, serving as captain this year. She played volleyball for two years and junior varsity soccer for one year, chosen as captain in both sports. 

She was a member of the National Honor Society, Biostem Club, Scholastic Bowl Team and Student Council Association and volunteered with the Suffolk Animal Shelter. She was employed with several local businesses. Howe is attending the University of Virginia and plans a career in the medical field.

Mousso is an Advanced Diploma graduate from Nansemond River. She played varsity softball for four years, travel softball for seven years and Little League for four years. She was a member of the NRHS soccer team for two years and the volleyball team, serving as co-captain.  

Mousso was a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, National Beta Club, National Honor Society and Key Club. Her volunteer experience included St. Therese Homeless Mission and Deep Creek Baseball/Softball Association. She also worked for several local businesses. She is attending the University of Mary Washington. Her career goal is to become a lawyer. 

Taliaferro was the class valedictorian at Nansemond River and a graduate of the Project Lead the Way Engineering Program, earning the Governor’s Early College Scholar Certificate. She was a four-year starter for the varsity girls soccer team, serving as captain.  She also played Suffolk Youth Athletic Association soccer for 12 years.  

At Nansemond River she was a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and the travel and culture club. Her volunteer experience includes serving on the church council and leading the youth group. She also was employed at Chick-fil-A.  Taliaferro is attending Princeton University to prepare for a career as an electrical engineer. 

The Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to outstanding female graduates of Suffolk’s public high schools for exceptional achievement in five areas: athletics, academics, school activities, church and community activities. Entrants must write a 500-word essay that expresses goals, family support and financial need.

Baker, a 1989 Suffolk High School honor graduate, was planning to attend Campbell College. She died July 9, 1989, after suffering head trauma because of a fall from a horse. Her parents, Robert Baker III and Linda Drummond, and friends and family established the scholarship in her memory to recognize outstanding female graduates of Suffolk Public Schools who are compassionate leaders in their school and community.  Sixty-four girls have been recognized since 1990.

Tax-deductible contributions to the scholarship fund may be made to Lynell Oliver Baker Memorial Scholarship, Care of Mrs. Lynn Cross, 409 Forest Hill Crescent, Suffolk, VA 23434.  Applications for the 2023 scholarship will be due by April 5 at each Suffolk public high school.